Patents by Inventor Brian Melka

Brian Melka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Electronically Controlled Speed Limiting System For Turf Care Machine
    Publication number: 20140025274
    Abstract: An electronically controlled speed limiting system for a turf maintenance machine includes at least one traction motor rotating a wheel. At least one hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the traction motor provides hydraulic fluid to operate the traction motor. At least one actuator in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump varies an output of the hydraulic pump. A controller in communication with the actuator commands the actuator to control the output of the hydraulic pump and thereby an operating speed of the wheel. A brake is activated by the controller if a wheel speed sensor signals the wheel is slip-spinning, to mitigate turf damage. A steering position sensor signal is used by the controller to modify brake activation during machine turns. An inclinometer signal is used by the controller to automatically reduce machine speed on inclined surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Christian Stanton Carver BRYANT, Bryan E. HOLBY, Lynn G. WESTBROOK, Brian MELKA
  • Electronically controlled speed limiting system for turf care machine
    Patent number: 8543295
    Abstract: An electronically controlled speed limiting system for a turf maintenance machine includes at least one traction motor rotating a wheel. At least one hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the traction motor provides hydraulic fluid to operate the traction motor. At least one actuator in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump varies an output of the hydraulic pump. A controller in communication with the actuator commands the actuator to control the output of the hydraulic pump and thereby an operating speed of the wheel. A brake is activated by the controller if a wheel speed sensor signals the wheel is slip-spinning, to mitigate turf damage. A steering position sensor signal is used by the controller to modify brake activation during machine turns. An inclinometer signal is used by the controller to automatically reduce machine speed on inclined surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Christian Stanton Carver Bryant, Bryan E. Holby, Lynn G. Westbrook, Brian Melka
  • Electronically Controlled Speed Limiting System For Turf Care Machine
    Publication number: 20120136539
    Abstract: An electronically controlled speed limiting system for a turf maintenance machine includes at least one traction motor rotating a wheel. At least one hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the traction motor provides hydraulic fluid to operate the traction motor. At least one actuator in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump varies an output of the hydraulic pump. A controller in communication with the actuator commands the actuator to control the output of the hydraulic pump and thereby an operating speed of the wheel. A brake is activated by the controller if a wheel speed sensor signals the wheel is slip-spinning, to mitigate turf damage. A steering position sensor signal is used by the controller to modify brake activation during machine turns. An inclinometer signal is used by the controller to automatically reduce machine speed on inclined surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Christian Stanton Carver Bryant, Bryan E. Holby, Lynn G. Westbrook, Brian Melka
  • Turf cutting reel
    Patent number: D698830
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn G. Westbrook, Harry L. Derby, V, Brian Melka